How to Select the Best Phlebotomy Tech Training Course near Stevenson Maryland

Enrolling in the ideal phlebotomy technician training near Stevenson MD is a critical initial step toward a gratifying career as a phlebotomist. It might seem like a daunting undertaking to analyze and compare each of the school options that are available to you. However it’s important that you perform your due diligence to make sure that you get a quality education. In fact, most potential students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that initially come to mind, which are cost and location. An additional option you may look into is whether to attend classes online or commute to an area campus. We’ll talk more about online schools later in this article. What you need to remember is that there is far more to comparing phlebotomy training programs than finding the closest or the cheapest one. Other variables including accreditation and reputation are also significant considerations and need to be part of your decision process as well. To assist in that effort, we will provide a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the right one for you. But prior to doing that, let’s address what a phlebotomist is and does, and then resume our discussion about online training.

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Should You Become a Phlebotomy Tech?

First of all, few people probably know what a phlebotomy tech or phlebotomist is. The basic definition is a medical professional whose job is to draw blood. We will go into more depth later. So naturally anyone who chooses this profession must be OK around needles and blood. And if you are nervous in hospitals or other Stevenson MD medical environments, well this job probably is not the best choice for you. And now let’s talk about the patients. Phlebotomists often work around nervous people who don’t like needles or having their blood taken. And because most health care facilities are open around the clock, you will probably be expected to work weekends, nights and even on holidays. But if you can handle the hours and the blood and needles, and if you enjoy helping people and are patient and compassionate, this could be the perfect profession for you.

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Phlebotomy Tech Work Description

A phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary task, there is actually far more to their job description. Prior to drawing a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the tools being employed are sterile and single use only. After collection, the sample needs to be correctly labeled with the patient’s information. Afterward, paperwork needs to be correctly completed in order to track the sample from the time of collection through the laboratory screening procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be tested for such things as infectious diseases, pregnancy or blood type. Many phlebotomists actually work in Stevenson MD labs and are accountable for ensuring that samples are analyzed correctly under the highest quality assurance procedures. And if those weren’t enough responsibilities, they might be required to train other phlebotomists in the collection, delivery and follow-up process.

Where are Phlebotomy Techs Employed?

The most basic answer is wherever there are patients. Their work environments are numerous and varied, including Stevenson MD medical clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or blood centers. They can be tasked to draw blood samples from patients of all ages, from infants or young children to senior citizens. Some phlebotomists, depending on their training and their practice, specialize in drawing blood from a specific kind of patient. For instance, those working in an assisted living facility or nursing home would exclusively be drawing blood from senior patients. If they are practicing in a maternity ward, they would be collecting blood from mothers and newborns exclusively. In contrast, phlebotomy technicians working in a general hospital setting would be collecting samples from a wide variety of patients and would work with different patients every day.

Phlebotomy Technician Education, Certification and Licensing

There are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are certificate and degree programs. The certificate program usually takes under a year to complete and furnishes a basic education along with the training on how to draw blood. It offers the quickest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, although not specifically a phlebotomist degree, will incorporate training on becoming a phlebotomy tech. Offered at community and junior colleges, they typically require two years to complete. Bachelor’s Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program provide a more extensive foundation in lab sciences. After you have finished your training, you will probably want to get certified. While not mandated in most states, many Stevenson MD employers require certification prior to employing technicians. A few of the main certifying agencies include:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomist, including California and Nevada. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomist training program that not only offers a premium education, but also preps you for any certification or licensing examinations that you elect or are required to take.

Online Phlebotomy Certificates and Degrees

First, let’s dispel one likely mistaken belief. You can’t receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial component of the program of studies will be clinical training and it will be conducted either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. Many courses also require completion of an internship prior to graduation. But since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it can be a more convenient option for some Stevenson MD students. As an additional benefit, many online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts. And some expenditures, for instance those for textbooks or commuting, may be lowered also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomist program you enroll in is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency (more on accreditation to follow). With both the comprehensive clinical and online training, you can receive a superior education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your degree or certificate online may be the right option for you.

Points to Ask Phlebotomy Colleges

Now that you have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomy tech, it’s time to start your due diligence process. You may have already picked the kind of program you intend to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we mentioned earlier, the location of the college is important if you will be commuting from Stevenson MD as well as the tuition expense. Perhaps you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. All of these decisions are an important part of the process for selecting a phlebotomy program or school. But they are not the only considerations when arriving at your decision. Following are some questions that you need to ask about all of the programs you are reviewing prior to making your final decision.

Is the Phlebotomist Program State Specific? As earlier discussed, each state has its own regulations for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states require certification, while a few others require licensing. Every state has its own requirement regarding the minimum hours of clinical training completed prior to working as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might have to pass a State Board, certification or licensing examination. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a phlebotomy program that fulfills the state specific requirements for Maryland or the state where you will be practicing and readies you for any exams you may have to take.

Is the College Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you select should be accredited by a respected regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are many benefits to graduating from an accredited school in addition to a guarantee of a superior education. First, if your program has not received accreditation, you will not be able to sit for a certification examination administered by any of the previously listed certifying organizations. Next, accreditation will help in obtaining loans or financial assistance, which are typically not available for non-accredited schools. Finally, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more desirable to future employers in the Stevenson MD job market.

What is the Program’s Reputation? In a number of states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are some that are not of the highest quality. So along with accreditation, it’s important to check out the reputations of any schools you are looking at. You can start by requesting references from the schools from employers where they place their students as part of their job placement program. You can screen online school rating and review services and solicit the accrediting organizations for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Stevenson MD hospitals or clinics that you might be interested in working for and ask if they can offer any insights. As a final thought, you can contact the Maryland school licensing authority and find out if any grievances have been filed or if the colleges are in full compliance.

Is Adequate Training Included? To begin with, contact the state regulator where you will be practicing to find out if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both classroom and practical. As a minimum, any phlebotomy program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums may indicate that the program is not expansive enough to offer adequate training.

Are Internship Programs Sponsored? Ask the colleges you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with local healthcare facilities. They are the ideal means to obtain hands-on practical training frequently not available on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students establish contacts within the local Stevenson MD healthcare community. And they are a plus on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Assistance Available? Landing your first phlebotomy position will be a lot easier with the help of a job placement program. Ask if the programs you are reviewing provide assistance and what their job placement rate is. If a school has a high rate, signifying they place most of their students in jobs, it’s an indication that the school has both a good reputation together with a large network of professional contacts within the Stevenson MD healthcare community.

Are Class Times Available as Needed? And last, it’s important to make sure that the final school you pick offers classes at times that will accommodate your busy lifestyle. This is particularly true if you decide to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes in the evenings or on weekends near Stevenson MD, make certain they are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend part-time, make sure it is an option also. And if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make sure those hours can also be fulfilled within your schedule. And ask what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes due to emergencies or illness.

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Phlebotomists School Stevenson Maryland

Making sure that you pick the most suitable phlebotomy training is an essential first step toward your success in this rewarding health care field. As we have covered in this article, there are multiple factors that go into the selection of a superior college. Phlebotomy certificate or degree programs are offered in a number of academic institutes, including junior or community colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that offer a wide array of courses in medical care and health sciences. Course offerings may differ somewhat across the country as every state has its own criteria when it comes to phlebotomist training, certification and licensing. The most critical point is that you must carefully screen and compare each college prior to making your ultimate selection. You originally came to this website due to an interest in Phlebotomists School and to get more information regarding How To Become A Certified Phlebotomy Technician.  However, by addressing the questions that we have furnished, you will be able to narrow down your options so that you can pick the best phlebotomist program for you. And with the proper training, you can achieve your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Stevenson MD.

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